Location: Knoxville
Top Things to do in Knoxville
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10 Free Things to do in Knoxville That You Shouldn't Miss
During the Civil War, Knoxville's Mabry-Hazen House served as headquarters for both the Confederate and Union armies. Today you can visit the house and other historic homes in this eastern Tennessee city. Among Knoxville's other attractions are museums, a zoo and World's Fair Park, site of the 1982 World's Fair. University of Tennessee sports draw lots of fans, as does the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. To see Knoxville from the water, take a leisurely riverboat ride down the Tennessee River.
Restaurants in Knoxville
1. New Harvest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Mrsreed0412 - Knoxville, United States
This is a great little park for families. There is a nice playground with a soft ground. A little splash pad in the Summer and a couple walking trails. It is not very big but a nice place to stop with the kiddos.
2. Ijams Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 841 reviews
Ijams Nature Center is a 315-acre member- and visitor-supported nonprofit organization, where people of all ages can hike, bike, paddle, climb, learn, explore, or simply enjoy nature in Knoxville, TN. The grounds and trails are open every day from 8:00am until dusk. The Visitor Center, including exhibits, gift shop, offices, and restrooms are open during regular business hours. Admission to the park is free, and we gladly accept donations. Fees for programs and special events vary. Established in 1910 by the Ijams (pronounced "EYE-ams") family for bird-watchers and nature-lovers, Ijams Nature Center has been ranked one of Knoxville's top three attractions by TripAdvisor, winning their 2016 Certificate of Excellence . Your generous support is needed to continue the ongoing legacy for generations to come!
Reviewed By 2Frequent_travelers - Knoxville, United States
I love the river walk, you can sit on the bench to soak up the views of the Tennessee river; you have many trails to walk through nature and just a short walk on the right is the Quarry. Ijams features a very cool zipline through the trees. highly recommend to anyone that just needs to get a break from the city. The quarry just down the road is great for more trails, kayaking (you can rent them, they will not allow you to launch your own), swimming and tubing.
3. Knoxville Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By Kate9099 - Chicago, United States
Given that Knoxville is a smaller city, I wasn't sure what to expect from the museum, I was pleasantly suprised. The bottom level has a commissioned piece that at first seems odd, but watch the film and it will make sense. The glass blowing exhibit was beautiful. At the time we were there, the museum had "traded" some of their permanent collection with a museum in Ashville, NC and we enjoyed that exhibit. The Contemporary exhibit on the 3rd floor was very good, since that is more my style. The traditional Tennesee pieces were not my favorite but a good perspective for the museum to present. Overall an excellent experience. BTW- another guest had brought a dog into the museum, I love dogs but really... a dog in the art museum?
4. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is a general museum with collections in anthropology, archaeology, decorative arts, local history, and natural history. We are a free museum with free parking available. Simply ask for your free 2-hour parking pass at the parking kiosk at the head of Circle Park Drive. More details and directions on the museum website.
Reviewed By MikeCutaliRealtor - Knoxville, United States
Parking can be a bit confusing, but this is a must see with kids etc! Free museum who can beat that!
5. Market Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,923 reviews
Reviewed By 304maggiel - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Great place for a fun and relaxed afternoon or evening! friendly atmosphere with welcoming restaurants serving delicious food to choose from in casual outdoor terraces or more formal indoor settings. Regardless of what your choice is you will be sure to satisfy taste buds and hunger pains. There is also a comedy club with a great bar, an outdoor stage and small shops with fun and unique ambiance and beautiful restored old historical buildings housing restaurants and shops. A beautiful suffragette sculpture centerpiece stands welcoming at the entrance of Market Square and on quiet afternoons a street violinist plays in the background. Surely a friendly and relaxed square that everyone will be sure to enjoy!
6. House Mountain State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By AdamAtherton - Knoxville, United States
Went with my family to House Mountain this morning. Read the hike was moderate and dog-friendly beforehand. Several dogs petered out before the top while we were there, I assume because of the rocky path. As far as being moderate difficulty, it depends. We are once a month day hikers in good shape and we found it very challenging, but also very enjoyable. Bring water and come early, you will earn the beautiful, far-reaching views on top. We will do it again.
7. Knoxville Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By leidenhoven1
Very helpful staff, plenty of good literature/information to assist with a visit to Knoxville, and free parking for two hours.
8. Krutch Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By TennesseePostcard - Murfreesboro, United States
I stumbled upon this while leaving Market Square and cut through it to expedite getting to the Sun Sphere. Close to the art and the history museums. Free.
9. Turkey Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Jotum - Knoxville, United States
This is the go to place to shop. It is in Farragut just off I-40. It has about anything you want including restaurants, clothing, groceries, Walmart, target , craft stores and many more. It gets pretty busy but traffic lights control pretty well and allow turns into the various stores. Just about all available space has bee filled up in the last ten years.
10. East Tennessee Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By MRVEGAS711 - Portland, United States
A quiet place to remember the lives loss during all the American conflicts. They recognize medal of honor recepients and others whom have lost their lives. I would recommend visiting this if wandering the World's Fair Park.
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